Newly married Viktor and Liesel Landauer want to build a house for themselves, but not just any house. Viktor is the head of a huge car company in their newly created Czechoslovakia of the 1920’s, and they want a completely modern, free building, sparing them from the confines of heavy castles and palaces. In that house, the centerpiece is the Glass Room, a space filled with windows, light, and purity. Those windows, however, cannot restore light to the souls of the people who live and eventually work within the house, setting their darkness of spirit in sharp contrast with the beauty of the room itself.
Everything fits perfectly together in this book. The language is beautiful, the plot is interesting and ends perfectly, and the characters are multi-faceted and interesting. It highlights an obviously important period in history but from the slightly different viewpoint of the various ethnic groups in Czechoslovakia, living in a country constructed by a treaty and consistently struck with severe issues. There’s a lot of fiction (and, obviously, non-fiction) about World War II and its aftermath out there and I think this book took another angle to distinguish itself, and it worked.
It was interesting that eventually, while their house is occupied by others, Viktor and Liesel lead the strange life of exiles from Nazi Germany and the countries they’ve taken over. I can’t recall if I ever read a book about where the rich went when they fled, but it was interesting, especially when they tried to move again to a more permanent home and had to deal with other countries’ stupid prejudice. As we know in the beginning, they make it through. It isn’t all sunshine and roses for the characters, though, as those left behind endure the incredibly difficult experiences forced upon them by Nazi occupation and imprisonment in concentration camps.
I also really liked that the house itself was almost a character in the book. It’s used for different purposes throughout, but everyone has their own relationship with it. It makes them feel certain ways, reminds them of their lives – in certain ways, the house’s open spaces tempt them to do what they might not do otherwise. It’s an interesting dynamic.
I can definitely see why The Glass Room was nominated for the Booker Prize. It exposes the darkness and the light within people, while exploring an interesting and slightly different aspect of a war that impacted so much of our culture. Very worth reading.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free from a publicist for review.
Wow — very nicely written. Excellent review. I’ve seen a couple of reviews of this, and although I don’t read a lot of WWII fiction, this one has caught my attention. I think it is the house itself I want to know about.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..From Biologist to Author: A Visit with Sneed B. Collard III =-.
We were just talking about this one yesterday. Kathy said that she’s having a hard time getting into it right now! It sounds wonderful!
.-= Julie P.´s last blog ..Review: Top Secret Recipes Unlocked =-.
I really cannot wait to read this one. It sounds wonderful.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
I’m about half way through with this and so far, I’m just not finding it all that compelling. I’m thinking I’m just not smart enough for it. Your review is fantastic!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers =-.
I loved this book! It was one of my favourite reads of 2009. I didn’t like the beginning when the house was being built, but can see why that bit would appeal to architecture fans. I’m looking forward to reading more of Mawer’s books – starting with The Fall.
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Blacklands – Belinda Bauer =-.
I’m really in the mood for something like this. Wish list added!
.-= Lenore´s last blog ..Book Review: The Resistance by Gemma Malley =-.
I read some good things about this book but your review has convinced me that it needs to go on the TBR.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Nook Review =-.
I really enjoyed this book as well, and also felt like the house was a character in the book! Great review!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Winter Garden – Kristin Hannah =-.
Great review! It sounds like a really moving novel – yet another addition to my tbr pile!
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..Review: Good to a Fault =-.
Awesome review! I have read a lot of books about WWII, but none from this angle, so this sounds very good to me. I went and added this to my wish list. I also like that the house is almost a character in itself.
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..The Summer We Fell Apart by Robin Antalek – 384 pgs =-.
So is this based on a true story, then?
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Urban/e Vampires =-.
It said in the author’s note that the characters are fictional but the house does exist and people who live there will recognize it. I didn’t, obviously, but I thought that was interesting.
I really enjoyed this book, too. It’s definitely not a quick read. I didn’t find it as slow as Wolf Hall. Reading those near the same time gave me a real appreciation for the Booker Prize. Great review, Meghan!
For those interested in the house itself, you can Google the Villa Tugendhat. It’s really spectacular.
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..TSS ~ Sometimes It Even Happens Here =-.
Beautifully written review! It makes me want to read it and I’ve put it on my must read list. I just want you to know that I’m really impressed with your blog, Meghan and I’ve added the link to it to my own website and subscribed to it. Keep up the great work!
All the best,
Christine
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